Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation Portable
- Developers: MiCROViSion, Nihon Falcom
- Publishers: Bandai, Nihon Falcom
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion (2005)
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion is a Japanese role-playing game developed by Nihon Falcom and published by Marvelous Entertainment. It was originally released in Japan for the PlayStation Portable in 2005, and was later ported to Windows in 2006 and iOS and Android in 2013. The game is the fourth installment in the Legend of Heroes series, and the second in the Gagharv Trilogy.
The game’s story follows Elie MacDowell, a young woman who is the princess of the kingdom of Liberl. When her father is assassinated, Elie sets out on a journey to find his killer and avenge his death. Along the way, she is joined by a group of companions, including a swordsman named Joshua Bright, a mage named Scherazard Harvey, and a priest named Olivier Lenheim.
The game’s combat system is turn-based, and players control a party of up to four characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and spells, and players must use strategy to defeat their enemies. The game also features a crafting system, which allows players to create new weapons and armor.
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion was praised for its deep story, memorable characters, and engaging combat system. It was also praised for its beautiful graphics and music. The game was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Gameplay
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion is a turn-based role-playing game. Players control a party of up to four characters, and explore a variety of dungeons and towns. The game’s combat system is similar to that of other Legend of Heroes games, with players selecting attacks from a menu. However, A Tear of Vermillion also introduces a new “Brave Order” system, which allows players to use special abilities to boost their party’s stats or attack their enemies.
The game also features a crafting system, which allows players to create new weapons and armor. Players can collect materials from defeated enemies and from chests scattered throughout the game world. These materials can then be used to create new items at blacksmiths and alchemists.
Story
The story of The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion follows Elie MacDowell, a young woman who is the princess of the kingdom of Liberl. When her father is assassinated, Elie sets out on a journey to find his killer and avenge his death. Along the way, she is joined by a group of companions, including a swordsman named Joshua Bright, a mage named Scherazard Harvey, and a priest named Olivier Lenheim.
The group’s journey takes them through a variety of dungeons and towns, and they encounter a variety of enemies, including monsters, bandits, and even other humans. As they progress, they learn more about the circumstances surrounding the king’s assassination, and they uncover a plot that threatens the entire kingdom of Liberl.
Characters
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique personality and motivations.
- Elie MacDowell is the protagonist of the game. She is a kind and compassionate young woman, but she is also strong-willed and determined to avenge her father’s death.
- Joshua Bright is a skilled swordsman and Elie’s childhood friend. He is a loyal and protective friend, and he is always there for Elie when she needs him.
- Scherazard Harvey is a powerful mage and a member of the Bracer Guild. She is a confident and independent woman, and she is always willing to help those in need.
- Olivier Lenheim is a priest and a member of the Royal Family of Liberl. He is a kind and gentle man, and he is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Reception
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion was praised for its deep story, memorable characters, and engaging combat system. It was also praised for its beautiful graphics and music. The game was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
The game received positive reviews from critics. IGN praised the game’s “deep and engaging story,” “memorable characters,” and “addictive combat system.” GameSpot praised the game’s “beautiful graphics and music,” and said that it was “one of the best JRPGs on the PSP.”
Legacy
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion is considered to be one of the best JRPGs on the PSP. It is also credited with helping to popularize the Legend of Heroes series in the West. The game has been followed by several sequels and spin-offs, and it remains a popular choice for JRPG fans today.
Conclusion
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion is a classic JRPG that is still enjoyed by fans today. It has a deep story, memorable characters, and an engaging combat system. If you are a fan of JRPGs, then you should definitely check out The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion.
Review Score
8.5/10